Social Question

Are you concerned about today's solar flare?

A very large solar flare happened today. The reaction to it here on earth won’t be known for a day or two. I haven’t read any suggestions for what may happen. It scares me a little because I don’t know the feasible possibilities. I’m thinking of going to bed until whatever happens, happens.

“Original post, from 2:30 p.m.: A massive sunspot region facing Earth – known as 1520 – has unleashed a large solar flare. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center says the flare is rated an X1.4. This type of flare is considered “strong” and can cause a blackout of high frequency radio communication on the sunlit side of Earth for one to two hours. ”

It is not yet known whether the flare was accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME) – an outburst of particles that can trigger a geomagnetic storm on Earth and damage the electrical grid.” Source

Not terribly. Rumor has it that we’ll get some aurora borealis visible north of the city; I’d like to go, but don’t know if it’ll work with work.

As for actual impact, I don’t expect more than a bit of a spike in the usual radiation. Then again, this may disrupt all electronics in the region, and we’ll get to see how good we are at surviving in the ensuing mayhem.